How Mexican cartels turned South African farms into meth production hubs
Key takeaways
- Raids on South African farms have uncovered meth labs linked to Mexican networks, signalling a new cartel phase.
- Their arrests followed a raid on a remote farm in North West province, where police said they uncovered a large methamphetamine laboratory worth about one billion rand ($60m).
- The case is one of several pointing to a pattern taking shape in South Africa’s rural interior.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Raids on South African farms have uncovered meth labs linked to Mexican networks, signalling a new cartel phase.
xwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogle Add Al Jazeera on Googleinfo11 suspects appeared in Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court facing charges including drug manufacturing, illegal possession of hazardous materials and violations of the Immigration Act.[Handout/SA Police Service]By Qaanitah Hunter Published On 8 Jun 20268 Jun 2026Johannesburg, South Africa – In the quiet mining town of Swartruggens, a small courthouse is preparing to decide whether five Mexicans accused of a major illegal drug operation will be granted bail or remain in custody.
Their arrests followed a raid on a remote farm in North West province, where police said they uncovered a large methamphetamine laboratory worth about one billion rand ($60m).